United for D.C. launches second United Reads Reading Corner

WASHINGTON, D.C. - United for D.C., the non-profit arm of D.C. United, announced today plans for the grand opening of its second United Reads Reading Corner at the Children's Health Center on Good Hope Rd. D.C. United and United for D.C. have teamed up with Reach Out and Read of Metro DC and the Children's National Medical Center and will launch the Reading Corner with a grand opening this Wednesday, March 29 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. United players Bryan Namoff and John Wilson will hand out books to and sign autographs for the students of Stanton Elementary School who will be in attendance.

"Opening a second United Reads Reading Corner is testament to the collective effort and dedication of those involved in the United Reads initiative," said Catherine Marquette, Executive Director of United for D.C. and D.C. United's Director of Community Relations. "Thanks to a helping hand from Verizon and Reach Out and Read, United for D.C. is again able to make a difference in the lives of impressionable children."

Last June, United for D.C. launched its first Reading Corner at the Children's Health Center on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in southeast D.C. The goal of each Reading Corner is to provide a fun soccer-themed atmosphere where children and their families can read while waiting to visit their doctor, as well as to promote physical activity as part of a child's healthy development. In partnership with Reach Out and Read of Metro D.C., a physician-led early literacy intervention, United for D.C. will also provide books to children who visit the health center.

Reach Out and Read is a national program that promotes early literacy by bringing new books and advice about the importance of reading aloud into the pediatric exam room. During regular "well-visits" with pediatricians at 25 clinics in the District, children aged six-months to five years receive a new book. Additionally, health care providers demonstrate to parents how to use the books at home to help their child reach motor, cognitive, and language developmental milestones. Reach Out and Read creates reading corners in health center waiting areas throughout the District and trains volunteers to read aloud and share books with patients of all ages.

For more information on the United Reads program or to receive more information about any of United for D.C.'s activities or community relations activities of D.C. United, please visit www.unitedfordc.org or contact Catherine Marquette at 202-587-5443 or cmarquette@dcunited.com.

United for D.C.
United for D.C., Inc. was founded on January 8, 2002 as the charitable arm of Major League Soccer's D.C. United. United for D.C. is a 501(c)3 organization chartered to serve the Washington, D.C. community through the creation or support of programs, events and organizations that advance educational and social welfare opportunities (primarily health and recreational) for the area's youth, particularly those who may be economically, physically or mentally disadvantaged.

Reach Out and Read of Metro DC
Reach Out and Read of Metro DC is part of a national program that believes giving books to children is not only a good thing to do, but is also an evidence-based strategy to promote health in primary care pediatrics. Reach Out and Read of Metro DC is a coalition of 26 health centers in Washington, DC, whose doctors deliver a full dose of early literacy to low-income children ages six months to five years.